Mancelona, MI - Dec 12, 2009

Taking advantage of the early snowfall, a small group of us went up to Mancelona, MI this past weekend. We started at the Mancelona Motel and covered over 70 miles - hitting up the Jordan Valley, Lakes of the North and Blue Bear trails. It was a beautiful day and the trails were pretty good, except for a few rough patches (woopdees) between Larry's Seven-Ski and The Hideaway (just outside Starvation Lake). Over all a great weekend and an early treat to the snowmobile season.

Being goofy.First stop.

Waiting for the groomer. Tons of snow!!

Turning around on the Jordan Valley Trails - oops

Waiting for the groomer.




p.s. I'm back!!!!!! :)

Mancelona, MI - Dec 12, 2009 (continued)

Mounds ORV Area bursting at the seams on Thanksgiving

Driver, Mike Tobin, 37, of Rochester Hills gets ready to ride through the mud at the Mounds Off-Road Vehicle Area in Mt. Morris Thanksgiving morning.

By Liz Shaw Flint Journal
December 01, 2009, 12:43PM

Thanksgiving day is one of the biggest days for the county park.GENESEE TOWNSHIP, Michigan — Off-road enthusiasts raised $331 and 575 pounds of food for the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan on Thanksgiving at the Mounds ORV Area in Genesee Township.

The popular ORV site always draws huge crowds on Thanksgiving morning but this year more than 500 vehicles poured into the facility between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Genesee County Parks officials working at the gate said off-roaders began lining up at 6 a.m., with the line stretching all the way to Irish Road a mile away.

The What Lies Beyond Jeep Club hosts a warming tent and charity drive at the Mounds each Thanksgiving. This year’s food collection was far beyond expectations, said president Cody Dean.